China Treasures

Ah yes, my inglorious days of eating out are numbered, ladies and gents.

The minute I get my new baby (of the 4 wheels kind) I'll be eating out of maggi cups just watch me!

So last Monday, we celebrate my colleague's belated birthday at one of our favorite dim sum place at Sime Darby Convention Centre. I let my colleagues do the ordering because as long there's chicken in my food I'm game. And boy did we eat! All-you-can-eat buffet is the mother of all evils. I kid you not.

On to the food photos.

Y'all see the salted egg yolk right thurr? Heaven.

Prawn inside. Yup. and yum.

My new found love: steamed buttered & salted egg yolk bamboo charcoal bun

Can't wait to go back for this. If only they don't cost so much!

Note: All photos were taken by my colleague, except for the last one. Happy Diwali!

Office folks

Finally bought miserable plants for my miserable view. Well my colleague picked them out for me because I was too lazy to go out last Friday.

Planning for a trip to the hair salon for my long-overdue hair treatment is as tedious as hitting the gym is as tedious as planning for a short break on my birthday next year is as tedious as updating my CV is as tedious as clearing out the kids' closet is as tedious as updating the iOS. Throw procrastination in the mix and boom! { s t a g n a n t l i f e }

Kenanga Boutique Hotel Ubud

Now, finding in Ubud was a problem for me because while I (thought) I knew Kuta at the back of my hand, I'm pretty clueless when it comes to Ubud.

And here's a little confession: I am terrified of paddy fields. And most hotels in Ubud are surrounded by them.

I am trying to recall a movie, not sure whether it was a Malay or Indo movie, but I remember at the ending of the movie, the father was so angry at his kids that he 'threw' his kids upward into the sky. It was set in a paddy field and I'm sure it's not some figment of my imagination! I suspect it's that Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan movie but googling can only do so much and I couldn't find any reference to it. Perhaps I should try reading the book. But I'm not even sure if this is the movie or some B-grade indo movie damnit!

Watched a lot of movie hantu from Indonesia when I was a kid. My dad (bless his soul) has been an avid fan of Indo movies back then.

But I digress.

Best option to find a hotel? Tripadvisor it. So when I saw Kenanga Boutique Hotel ranked at Top 15 in Ubud, I'm sold. Time was running out anyway. Albeit the paddy field surrounding the hotel, I must say it was pretty cool to stay there. No noise, great food, free charter to Ubud (7 minutes away from the hotel) and despite my eternal loathing for the fields, we managed to go for a short run in the morning and the staff was nice. We couldn't check out late because the room that we stayed in was a tourist favorite but they were kind enough to provide a room for my marathon man to shower (he clocked in 5:47 for 42 km).

Room starts at MYR400++. Definitely coming back. Well, at least that's what my husband said to the receptionist. Heheh.

Mind run

My husband is right. Without proper training I might not survive the StanChart race this Sunday. I haven't been eating right, haven't been exercising... I don't even want to think about how much I weigh these days. 

In the meantime, this week I need to study study study. Industry exam on Saturday. I hate calculations!!! Die. 

40/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Emre: Says thank you to us everysingletime.

Rumi: Took center stage during his first school concert! I was so shocked! I mean his teacher said he's a shy boy and to see him on stage, full of confidence.. wow, just wow.

39/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Emre: This is his Chucky face.

Rumi: Sensitive. Perhaps he should be a child actor. 

Cak cak cak

I've always wanted to see the kecak performance because it seems hypnotizing and I'm sure the performance would be out of this world. We thought we were going to watch the show in Uluwatu, judging by the massive volume of eager tourists flocking the place once the gate opens.

But ack, no, our driver Ngurah said he'll take us elsewhere (was it Batu Bulan?). I can't recall where we ended up, because the ride to the place was so nauseating. To avoid the traffic jam Ngurah took some crazy ass winding roads and for the first time in years I felt like throwing up in the van.

So yay, kecak! I was so excited to see the show. Halfway through, we started to realize that some of the dancers weren't really concentrating - hence taking our attention away from enjoying the 'hypnotic' dance. Even funnier was one of the dancers was busy poking the female lead (who looks like Fasha Sandha I swear to god) and she kept swatting his hand away kah kah kah. Humor aside, I was kind of disappointed because I came so far to watch a half-hearted dance! Sigh. 

Perhaps we should have gone for the one at Uluwatu instead. 

This guy seems like he's in pain though.

Spot the Fasha Sandha y'all.

Oh well, at least this is off my bucket list now.

Straits Food Company

Earlier today, at Straits Food Company. 

Lunched with my colleagues - collectively known as The Paydays because everyday is a pay day when we get together (re: happy) and we always have money for food. Hehe. 

The pai tee is not bad althought I think I prefer Aunty Nat's. 

With just only ten bucks you get to enjoy a set of white rice, chilli brinjal and I picked ayam goreng kunyit as the main dish (but of course). Despite my eternal bias towards chicken, my chicken was really tender and fresh. I also liked how the prawn sambal is not too spicy. 

Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana

I don't know how bloggers can still write about their wedding in detail, girls, you dah kahwin nak masuk 1 year kot? ;p But I guess for the sake of documentations, why the hell not eh? Sharing is caring, no? Sometimes when we write, we never meant to show-off, we just want to share with the world. As for me, writing about holidays is therapeutic, besides, I am absent-minded. Pffth.

So our flight was delayed because one of the aircraft's headlights gone kaput. Passengers were annoyed of course because we're not allowed to leave the plane. But the minute the captain said you are allowed to use your mobile devices, hah, senyap terus everyone! 

We earlier booked Mercure Kuta for one night because the second day we'll be off to Ubud already. I could have gone for a cheaper hotel in Kuta but Mercure, despite its small room (4-star hotel), I loved the infinity pool overlooking the sea and rindu the chocolate pancake! But I was nervous when the staff said "we're so sorry but agoda's system messed up and we have no rooms for tonight".

Gulp.

But imagine our surprise when we were told that we will be sent to a nearby hotel, the 5 star, 3 year old, Pullman Hotel! Woot woot! On top of that, they threw in free breakfast as well (didn't opt for breakfast at mercure) so, yeah, win! Terima kasih agoda! Wish it was for 2 nights!

  

Our room. Perfect for exhibitionists. 

Eh, also got infinity pool here leyyyy.

In luck because there were some art exhibition going on at the hotel.

Such a beauty.

Me likey. What?

Ground view.

By the way, internet in Bali is pretty good. The minute you step out of the arrival gate, a telco kiosk is already available outside. Cost about 200,000/250,000 rupiah, about RM60++ like that.

Me, annoying the shit out of my colleagues hehe.

That's it! Next up I'll talk about our boutique hotel in Ubud.

Food in Kuantan

Just imagine my happiness when I realised our new branch in Kuantan is just a walk away from one of Pak Akob Patin's restaurants! Wish I could bring the lauk back to KL but too bad that can't happen.

We were also introduced to the Horizon Restaurant (walking distance from Zenith Hotel) and wow everything we ordered was so good. From kangkung belacan to crisp fried chicken with mango to ikan tilapia steam to sotong cili etc. we were so impressed. My first impression is that this restaurant is probably not that great considering there were not many people around but the crowd started to build up after Isya'. Ah, that explains it. 

Before I flew back to KL my dear friend Ame took me to a stall that sells satar and otak-otak and keropok lekor and whathaveyous. Tapau-ed the satar and otak2 for my colleagues and husband. Instant hit! 

While in Kuantan we also bought loads of ikan/sotong kering stuff and introduced my colleagues to Kula Cakes - famous for their mango cheesecake. Confirm KPI naik tahun ni. Heh.

38/52

 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Rumi: Hates spelling but more interested in maths. YAY FUTURE FUND MANAGER.

Emre: Can sing a full Negaraku song. Kinda amusing!

Additional food post in Bali!

One last round of nasi ayam nearer to our hotel in Ubud.

What this is, is debatable. Mama and I used to fry chicken skin but this dish here also had hard ones to bite so I have no idea what I ate. Heh. 

Food in Bali

Let's talk food jom? When it comes to food in Bali, safest bet is nasi padang, because there is NO pork element in their dishes. Halal restaurants can be misleading, because whilst the protein is halal, there are also pork dishes in their menu! Food in hotel, tawakal saja, because they normally label their pork items. On someone's IG post, ada ustazah instagram said you can eat at a place that serve pork, as long as they wash their utensils thoroughly. Really ah? My principal is simple, if was-was, don't eat.  

Was introduced to 'nasi ayam' by our supir. White rice with 4 different chicken dishes. Spicy as hell but good! 

Nasi goreng Indonesia for breakfast at Kenanga Boutique Hotel. It was so good I ate it for 2 days straight!

Banana pancake served with maple syrup & coconut. Trivia: Bananas are mostly imported from states nearby as most of the time they are used as religious offerings. If you stay in Mercure, Kuta, ask for chocolate pancake. Ohhhh yum.

Nasi goreng Indonesia again. Told ya.

My husband has a knack of trying new drinks whenever he travels. This, is a good discovery. 

My delicious dark choco latte at Anomali Cafe, Ubud. Come to think of it, Anomali has that Artisan Cafe vibe. Hmm, who's imitating who I wonder.

Not a big fan.

Next up: Food in Kuantan. 

rejuvenate

So happy that I finally get to share the beauty of Bali with the husband! If it wasn't for the BII Maybank Bali Marathon 2014, god knows when will I be able to drag him to this slice of heaven that I keep coming back to. The Bali I knew 6 years ago has changed so much but the kindness of the Balinese is something that has not changed. 

We didn't encounter many problems throughout the trip - because every single glitch had its own silver lining. Flight got delayed - but we ended up getting a hotel upgrade to a 5 star hotel (thanks Agoda!). Got lost on foot for half an hour trying to look for a restaurant recommended by The Guardian - but we settled for a much cheaper much tastier restaurant. Thought we ran our of money - only to find that my money has doubled in my wallet - which until now has left me baffled. Magic!

Can't wait to go back next year, hopefully with the kids and me running my first marathon outside Malaysia. Fingers crossed!

The view from Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, Kuta.

Loving the art exhibition at the hotel.

Marathon man.

Uluwatu. My first time here.

Some random temple in Ubud.

Anomali Cafe! Love the coffee here. We also tried the coffee luwak in Gianyar - I GET WHAT THE FUSS IS ALL ABOUT NOW.

Kenanga Boutique Hotel in Ubud. A picture of calm and peace.

* Photos here are from my LX5. More photos from the iPhone soon. 

Call these brothers if you're looking for knowledgeable and friendly guides:

+62 812 36714275 - Ngurah

+62 813 37911478 - Made' Roy 

+62 813 38668693 - Komang Ari

Cheap taxi from Ubud to Ngurah Rai airport:

+62 819 99245666 - Yudi

tatsmato

When my colleague / bff at work asked if I'd accompany her to get her first tattoo of course I said yes! I wouldn't miss it for the world. After years of watching Miami Ink, fangirling over Kat Von D and drooling over tatts on friends, celebs and strangers, this is a must go.

Pink Tattoos is located over at Bangsar (love the decor!), and her tattooist on that day was Jason Hanna. I must say I was pretty impressed with his artwork. My colleague said the pain was bearable, it only hurts so bad when the needle starts piercing your skin and when the needle hit your skin whenever new ink is replaced. Like red ants biting your skin, she said. That can't be so bad I thought. Post-ink pain was a bitch though. But a day later she's feeling all fine and no more pain! Better start thinking of your next tattoo, I tell her.

No photos of her tattoo for now. Nobody wants to see a fresh tatt when it's all red and sore y'all.

#yolo

Reading a mutual friend's blow-by-blow account of his cardiac arrest. That asshat* is 34, and probably smokes a thousand sticks. It's amazing how he managed to identify it as a heart attack (either that or a nasty heartburn like the ones I used to get when I was pregnant). He went home, took a shower first, then asked his neighbor for help.

One of my biggest fear is dying of a sudden heart attack, because my father passed away that way. Well, it used to be the fear of dying alone, but no more. My point is, I don't want to die the way my father did, because I never got my closure, there were so many unresolved matters and unanswered questions etc etc. Let's not delve any deeper into this. Life is too short to be worrying about how you will exit the world.

Feel better soon, Amir Hafizi. If I see you with a ciggie, imma gonna kick yer ass. Just watch me.

Good night!

On another note, my bestie at the office is getting her first tattoo tomorrow! And I'm gonna be there with her! Hope I don't faint. ;p

* Although I call him an asshat, he has a good heart. OK MAYBE NOT, IRONIC MUCH.

tag! you're it!

I've been challenged by my bosom buddy Jem Hologram (gedik betul) to list 10 books that have stayed with me in some way and tag people to do the same. Rules : Don't take more than a few minutes and do not think too hard. They don't have to be the right books or great works of literature. Just ones that have affected you in some way. Then tag 10 friends including me so I can see your list.

1. Siddharta - Hermann Hesse
2. Julie and Julia - Julie Powell 
3. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
4. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
5. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien (wait does this make up 3 books already)
6. The Vampire Lestat - Anne Rice
7. The Sorrows of Young Werther - Goethe
8. Anne of Green Gables - Lucy Maud Montgomery
9. Ex Libris - Anne Fadiman
10. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

Y'all tagged in spirit! I go to bed now.

hump day

My positivity lasted until this morning because some douchebag gave me the middle finger on the road. I was at the traffic light but the dude behind me kept honking me, pestering me to inch ahead further so that he can exit left. dude, first of all, if i ke depan any further i would be kissing the car ahead of me. second, the traffic light won't take that long. third, no need to marah2 please, we are all heading somewhere, and your 15 second wait behind  me won't make your life any better. 

but thanks for the middle finger anyways, because road rage is everywhere and from my observation, melayu has the shortest temper when it comes to driving. nasib la bro, your middle finger means nothing to me. i pray for your good health, because i'm sure your blood pressure went up a few notches today. 

masuk office, greeted by so many emails and one of them is an email questioning the credibility of my new staff. kasi chance lah please, she's only been here less than 2 months. It took me close to a year to master whatever shit dumped on my plate now. as her boss i feel rather shitty about this but i just tell her: you got to live and learn (a mantra for myself too).

i'm home with the screaming boys now and made myself a big bowl of maggi. the giant maggi ayam is tasteless but at least i am home. i wish life would allow me to deal with one shit at a time. but today was definitely a good test for me. 

good night.